SXSW 2010: 1,400 bands, 80 stages, tons of music

It's time once again for South by Southwest, spring break for the music industry, happening the rest of this week in Austin, Texas, as more than 1,400 bands flood the city to play on 80 stages at official festival showcases and unofficial day parties.

Not only is it a blast, the festival is usually a preview of what's going to be hot the rest of the year, making it an almost essential event for music writers.

Like last year, I'm paying my own way, which means minimal SXSW coverage on Sound Check. Still, I will be writing about the festival. Along with sporadic, digest-style updates here, you can follow my coverage here and here, and I'll be busy on Twitter, too.